To find out how old your appliance is, the most reliable method is to check the serial number on the appliance, not the model number. The serial number usually encodes the manufacturing date, which can be decoded to determine the appliance's age

Steps to Determine Appliance Age

• Locate the serial number : This is typically found on a label or sticker on the appliance. Common locations include inside the refrigerator door, on the door frame or behind the oven door, inside the washer or dryer door, or on the back or side of the appliance

• Decode the serial number : Each manufacturer uses a different coding system. Often, the first few digits or characters indicate the year and month of manufacture. For example, some brands use the first digit for the year and the next two for the month

• Use online tools or manufacturer resources : Websites like Homespy.io or Appliance Recovery offer appliance age finders where you enter your model and serial number to get the manufacture date

. You can also consult the appliance manual or contact the manufacturer directly for decoding help

Additional Tips

• Knowing the appliance age helps in assessing efficiency, scheduling maintenance, and deciding whether to repair or replace

• Typical lifespans for major appliances range from about 9 to 15 years depending on the type (e.g., refrigerators ~13 years, washers ~10 years, dryers ~13 years)

In summary, find your appliance’s serial number, decode it using brand- specific guides or online tools, and you will know how old your appliance is